Inflatable Structure Base Flaps for Wind Anchoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Light-weight temporary structures, such as inflatable structures, are prone to becoming airborne and causing injury or death during strong winds due to inadequate anchoring methods.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of flaps extending from the base of the inflatable structure, secured to the ground with weighted devices, to provide additional stability and prevent lift-off in windy conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional anchoring methods (ropes or wires held in place by spikes or jugs of sand) are used, then the structure can be easily set up and dismantled, but the structure becomes airborne in strong winds causing injury or death
Solution Approach 1:
The base of the inflatable structure is segmented into multiple sections, each with its own flap extending from a different side. This segmentation allows each flap to independently anchor that portion of the structure, providing distributed wind resistance rather than relying on a single anchoring point.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional point-based anchoring (spikes or sand jugs at corners) to area-based anchoring by extending flaps from the base perimeter. This dimensional change from 0D points to 2D surface area significantly increases the anchoring effectiveness and wind resistance.
2Reliability
If flaps are extended from the base to increase anchoring area, then wind resistance improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flaps are merged with the base structure, forming an integrated seam between them. This merging eliminates the need for separate complex anchoring mechanisms while maintaining the increased anchoring area, thus improving wind resistance without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The flaps serve multiple functions: they extend the base area for anchoring, create a seam for structural integrity, and provide a surface for weighted objects to rest on. This multi-functionality achieves improved wind resistance without adding dedicated separate components for each function.
3Stability of the object's composition
If flaps are made seamlessly part of the inflatable structure during manufacture, then structural integrity improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flaps are pre-formed as integral parts of the base structure during the inflation process or initial setup. This preliminary action allows the seams to be created when materials are more pliable and easier to join, reducing the manufacturing precision requirements compared to creating seamless joints in the fully inflated structure.
4Reliability
If weighted objects are placed on the flaps to secure them, then anchoring effectiveness improves, but the ease of operation and setup time worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The flaps are designed to be self-anchoring by extending to the ground and providing a large surface area where weighted objects can be placed. The weight of the objects themselves serves the anchoring function, and the flaps' geometry naturally guides their placement, reducing the need for complex securing mechanisms and speeding up setup.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively secures inflatable structures by increasing the base area covered by flaps and using weighted objects to anchor them, significantly reducing the risk of lift-off and injury from strong winds.
Implementation Method 1
the flaps are secured on the ground with at least one weighted device... In a preferred embodiment the weighted devices are weighted moveable objects such as sandbags... any weighted object may used, including, but not limited to water-filled bags (or other suitable containers such as cans and jugs), soil-filled bags, or other heavy objects
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method and device for securing a light-weight temporary structure with weighted objects.